Halo Safety Cockpits Are Coming to F1 Next Year

The debate over improving safety in F1 will likely rage on for some time, but at least one change has been decided on for now. As expected, the FIA will implement Ferrari's halo design for a safety cockpit for the 2017 F1 season, though it's still considering Red Bull's canopy design to be implemented at a later date.

Autosport reports that the decision to implement the halo cockpit was made at the Monaco Grand Prix this past weekend. Both the FIA and racing fans prefer the Red Bull canopy cockpit, but it hasn't been tested as extensively as the Ferrari halo, so it's been shelved for at least another year. The final design for the halo must be approved by July 6th, which wouldn't have been enough time for Red Bull to finalize the canopy.

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The final halo design will be smaller than the prototype that made its debut at Barcelona in March, per Autosport. Many criticized the early prototype for its rather unsightly looks, and its significant impact on visibility.

F1 constructors will have to make significant changes for their 2017 cars based on the FIA's new regulations, which specify bigger tires and more downforce. Even a smaller halo cockpit will require significant aerodynamic modifications.

We should see the final cockpit design soon enough, but it'll be interesting to see if Red Bull continues development of its canopy windscreen. Hopefully Ferrari's final design can appease both the need for increased safety, and those concerned with the car's aesthetics.